There is no denying that Bollywood is akin to a religion to Indians. Testimony to the fact is the opening of world's first Bollywood-inspired theme park: Bollywood Parks Dubai by Dubai Parks and Resorts (Middle East's largest integrated theme park destination).
Apart from rides, activities and restaurants that pay homage to some of the biggest Bollywood movies, another crowd-puller promises to be the mega musical Jaan e Jigar, which will be unveiled on December 1, 2016. A highly-anticipated part of the park's entertainment roster, this Bollywood-inspired fairy tale themed musical with over 10 songs promises to be fittingly larger than life.
A magnum opus of this scale demanded an experienced designer and stylist to get the look just right. Enter Neeta Lulla. The designer, who has been associated with blockbusters like Chandni, Lamhe, Khuda Gawah, Devdas and Jodha Akbar among several others through the course of her illustrious career, was a natural fit. “A production of this magnitude demands time and I have been working on it for close to a year. I have worked on costumes not only for the lead dancers, but for the entire crew, rounding it up to around 1,200 costumes!” says the designer. Lulla described the costumes for certain characters—a delicate, floral-heavy look for Gulpari, the princess of the forest; and an edgy serpentine-inspired wardrobe for Marjaani, the anti-heroine—as some of her favourites. “Working on costumes for characters like Nashooq, who is half man-half hyena and Jharna, the pirate chieftain's daughter, were most challenging,” she adds.
Ask her about the experience, and Lulla is quick to point out the difference between designing for films and for stage. “A lot of factors have to be taken into consideration when designing for live stage shows. The costumes need to be easy and quick to change. Comfort plays a big role, and one also needs to take into consideration that the costumes should not hurt the accompanying dancers during the performances. The fabrics used should be long-lasting but also equally glamorous. Finishing touches like jewellery and footwear need to play dual roles—aid the overall look but not hamper the dancers' ease and movement either,” the designer explains.
The designer strongly believes in the influence Bollywood has on fashion. “Fashion has always been influenced by films. Movies are larger than live and bring dreams alive on screen. Films create aspiration, which in turn creates fashion statements,” she signs off.
